RealGM Wiretap

Gustavo Ayon Looks Forward To Bucks Exercising Team Option For Next Season

Apr 29, 2013 7:58 PM

Despite speculation surrounding his future in the NBA, Gustavo Ayon expects the Milwaukee Bucks to pick up the team option on his contract for next season and is looking forward to returning, his agent Emilio Duran told RealGM.

The Bucks traded for Ayon in the deal that brought them J.J. Redick, and the organization insisted that the Orlando Magic include Ayon. From the start, the Bucks have let Ayon and his agent know that playing time would be scarce this season, but they would prioritize him long-term.

“Gustavo likes Milwaukee, he just really wants to help the team and as far as we’ve been indicated he will be with the Bucks next season,” Duran said. “He wants to keep getting better there and help out.”

Newspapers out of Ayon’s native Mexico have published stories claiming the 6-foot-10 big man is not pleased about his situation with the Bucks and has thought about playing overseas. Still, Duran was adamant Ayon’s supposed quotes were fabricated.

“He didn’t even talk to those papers, so the quotes are totally made up,” Duran said. “I have no doubt in my mind he will play in the NBA next year.”

Ayon, whose team option is worth $1.5 million, has shown flashes of skill and solid rebounding in two NBA seasons. Ayon, 28, has averages of 4.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in 16.7 minutes a game over 109 games, playing just 13 times after being traded to the Bucks in late February.